Decimal measurement scale

Abstract

The decimal scale for a linear or angular measuring instrument consists of a fine scale extending to the edge, and a simple scale parallel to the edge. The longest graduations span from the edge to the simple scale, and each midpoint between them is indicated by a mark on the simple scale line. The graduations of the fine scale have an alternating pattern, so that each graduation is adjacent to another of a different length. A series of numerals refer to the graduations at regular intervals. If these numerals increase to one thousand or above, and there is limited lateral space, the last three digits are placed in a different row from the first portion of the numeral.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A measuring tool for measuring a decimal-based measurement, comprising:
 a graduated instrument with a top edge and a bottom edge;   along the top edge of the instrument, a first series of graduation lines that are uniformly spaced at single intervals of a larger measurement unit;   along the top edge of the instrument, a second series of graduation lines that are located between the first series of graduation lines; wherein the second series of graduation lines are at even number intervals of a smaller measurement unit; wherein the larger measurement unit consists of ten of the smaller measurement units; wherein the second series of graduation lines are shorter in length than the first series of graduation lines;   along the top edge of the instrument, a third series of graduation lines that are located between the first series of graduation lines; wherein the third series of graduation lines are at odd number intervals of the smaller measurement unit; wherein the third series of graduation lines are shorter in length than the second series of graduation lines;   a scale line that runs parallel to the top edge of the instrument; wherein the scale line is offset away from the top edge of the instrument; wherein the first series of graduation lines intersect the scale line; and   a series of marks that extend from the scale line and point towards the top edge; wherein the series of marks are located equidistantly between adjacent pairs of the first series of graduation lines; wherein the series of marks are unconnected to the second and third series of graduation lines.   
     
     
         2 . The measuring tool of  claim 1 , wherein the measuring tool is a ruler or tape measure, the larger measurement unit is a centimeter, and the smaller measurement unit is a millimeter. 
     
     
         3 . The measuring tool of  claim 1 , wherein the measuring tool is a protractor, and either (i) or (ii):
 (i) wherein the larger measurement unit is ten degrees and the smaller measurement unit is a single degree; or   (ii) wherein the larger measurement unit is 0.1 radians and the smaller measurement unit is 0.01 radians.   
     
     
         4 . The measuring tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first series of graduation lines extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the instrument. 
     
     
         5 . The measuring tool of  claim 1 , wherein the series of marks that extend from the scale line have a line shape. 
     
     
         6 . The measuring tool of  claim 1 , wherein the series of marks that extend from the scale line have a triangle or arrow shape.